You probably don’t need a pollen forecast to tell you it’s allergy season in the Willamette Valley. Sniffles and sneezes, as well as itchy and watery eyes, are sending the message loud and clear that allergens are in the air. To add to this discomforting news, allergy reports on Pollen.com show elevated pollen counts in the medium-to-high range this summer, with grasses acting as the main culprits.

To help keep those pesky symptoms at bay, the experts at Willamette ENT are providing their best at-home tips for allergy relief that they share with their patients. Of course, if your allergy symptoms are severe and persistent and interrupting your quality of life, you can get tested and treated for allergies at Willamette ENT.

1. Try an over-the-counter remedy

If you know that you suffer from allergies, it’s a good idea to treat them before your symptoms start acting up. You can get some temporary relief from over-the-counter medications that can help ward off symptoms. Look for non-sedating antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays to help manage your symptoms in the short-term.

2. Use a saline rinse

Anytime you’ve been outside for an extended period of time, whether that’s working in your garden or playing with your kids at the playground, allergens can get caught in your sinuses. Physicians at Willamette ENT recommend their patients use a saline rinse or Neti pot after being exposed to allergens. This can flush the allergens from the nasal passages, clearing out the nasal membranes of allergens that are causing symptoms.

3. Shut your windows

While it may be tempting to let a summertime breeze in at night, it’s actually best to keep your windows shut so that allergens don’t sneak into your home. Instead, run your air conditioning and close your windows to keep your home cool.

4. Shower at night

Ideally, you’ll want to focus on creating an allergy-free environment at home. Taking that one step further, consider changing up your bedtime routine. By showering in the evening and before bed, you’re rinsing off allergens and aren’t bringing them into your bed with you. The experts at Willamette ENT also warn to be mindful of where you’re placing your clothes. Be careful that you’re not shaking allergens all around your bedroom.

5. Don’t let your pets in the bedroom

Admittedly, this might be a tough one for those who consider their pets their four-legged children. But Fido has likely been collecting allergens and pollen in his coat while out playing in the yard or going on those summertime evening walks. You’ll want to keep your pets from bringing those allergens into the bedroom and shaking them onto the sheets. Perhaps it’s time to invest in a comfy dog bed for your companion?

6. Seek expert treatment

The Willamette Valley is unique: Pollen from grasses can cause extensive suffering and our notoriously long wet season is perfectly suited to abundant mold growth, which is another common allergen. If you’ve tried at-home remedies and your allergies are still persistent and disrupting your life, it may be time to take the next step and get expert treatment.

Willamette ENT offers testing and treatment for these allergies, as well as others – including dust mites, pet dander and other airborne irritants. The physicians at Willamette ENT are knowledgeable at treating allergies and can bring you that much-needed relief from your allergy symptoms.

If you’re looking for relief, you can make an appointment to get tested for allergies. Allergy shots as well as medications can help relieve your symptoms. To learn more, visit ENTsalem.com or call (503) 485-2577.

Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA Today Network were not involved in the creation of this content.